Lemon Chiffon Cake Tips
Why do chiffon cakes have a hole in the middle?
Chiffon cakes have a hole in the middle because they are typically baked in a tube pan. A tube pan is the ideal baking vessel for chiffon and
angel food cake, also called foam cake, because its shape allows heat to penetrate evenly while baking. We recommend an aluminum tube pan with a dull finish rather than a shiny or dark finish to achieve a tender, golden crust.
Should I grease my tube pan before baking?
No. Do not grease or flour your pan when baking a chiffon cake. To rise properly, the batter needs to cling to the sides of the pan.
Why are chiffon cakes so delicate?
Chiffon cakes have a high ratio of eggs to flour and may contain either no fat or a small amount of fat, generally in the form of egg yolk and oil. Beaten eggs give chiffon cakes their light and fluffy texture. As such, they should be handled carefully after baking.
Why should I cool my chiffon cake upside down?
It’s important to cool chiffon cakes upside down in the pan, otherwise, they will collapse and flatten. If using a tube pan with legs, invert the pan onto its legs. If using a tube pan without legs, invert the pan and place the neck over a funnel or narrow bottle. Cool cakes completely in the pan before removing. To loosen from the pan, run a thin metal spatula around the edge of the pan and around the center tube using a sawing motion. Gently press the metal spatula between the pan and the cake to loosen more. If the cake pan has a removable bottom, lift out the cake and run a knife along the bottom of the cake. If the pan is one piece, invert the pan onto a plate; tap the side of the pan with the flat side of a knife and lift the pan away from the cake. Cool the cake completely before filling or frosting. Cut foam cakes with a serrated knife or electric knife with a sawing motion. —
Amy Glander, Book Editor
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.